How to Help Someone with Depression

Help a loved one struggling with depression. Offer support and encourage them to seek help.

Learn how to help someone with depression. You can offer support and understanding and learn how to help your loved one get resources to cope with depression. Here's what you can do.

Do help someone with depression with these tips

• Express empathy (“That must be really hard.”)
• Offer to listen or spend time with them (“I’m here for you.”)
• Let them know their experiences and feelings are valid (“I hear what you’re saying.”)
• Help them with tasks that depression can make difficult (“I’d like to help you with…”)
• Tell them you care about them (“You matter to me.”)
• Help them find professional support (“Let’s work together to find you help.”)
• Let them know treatment is effective (“There are lots of options, and we will find one that works for you.”)
  

Don’t say these things to someone with depression

• Tell them to “Cheer up” or “Think Positive.”
• Express shock (“You don’t seem sad!”)
• Belittle (“It could be worse.”)
• Blame (“It’s all in your head.”)
• Shame (“Other people have problems, too.”)
• Use cliches (“You’ll get over it.”)
• Offer quick fixes (“You just need to get out more.”)

Break the stigma of mental health

Learn how to help someone with depression by changing the way society sees mental health and treatment.

BREAK THE STIGMA